Sokoto, Nigeria – July 4, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, has embarked on a capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing officers’ knowledge of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other key international trade facilitation strategies.
The workshop, held at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto, brought together customs personnel from across various units and departments. The training focused on deepening their technical understanding of the AEO framework, a World Customs Organization (WCO) initiative designed to streamline global trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
Declaring the session open, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kamal Muhammed, emphasized the importance of aligning local customs practices with international standards to improve efficiency, transparency, and trade competitiveness.
“Our objective is to equip our officers with current best practices in trade facilitation, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, especially in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation agenda,” he said.
Resource persons at the training highlighted the benefits of the AEO programme, which include faster clearance times, reduced inspections, and enhanced trust between customs authorities and compliant traders. Officers were also trained on risk management techniques, data analysis, and how to support legitimate trade while curbing smuggling and other illicit activities.
The Command reiterated its commitment to continuous learning and professional development to ensure that customs officers are well-prepared to deliver on their mandate in a dynamic and evolving trade environment.
